An ideal Valentine’s weekend in Northamptonshire

Francesca Gosling

With Valentine’s Day falling on the Saturday before the half term holiday this year, it might not be the ideal time to sneak a romantic evening with your special someone. So why just keep it to the one date?

The possibilities are endless for an amorous getaway in Northamptonshire, whether you want to make it an evening, an afternoon, or a whole weekend.

Whittlebury Hall Day Spa

One of the most idyllic options has to be Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, which offers a variety of different ideas to make your Valentine’s extra special. Whether you choose to indulge in a treatment or two at the luxurious Day Spa, dress up for dinner at the award-winning Aston’s restaurant, or sink into sofas for a delicious cream tea at the infamous Silverstone Bar, Whittlebury has something for everyone, and it’s all set in the heart of some of the county’s most beautiful countryside.

If you feel that your loved one really deserves to be treated, there is still time to book onto one of their seasonal packages, each from £69 per person.

For food fans, the Winter Getaway package (£69) is ideal, including cream tea, three-course dinner in Astons, overnight accommodation, a full English breakfast and full use of The Leisure Club facilities. If serious relaxation is what you and your partner need, try the Winter Spa Special (£89), including access to The Day Spa, along with an overnight stay at the hotel, followed by a full English breakfast. Or if you only have the day to spare, you can immerse yourself in The Day Spa Detox Day (£79), which includes a two-course buffet lunch, full use of The Leisure Club facilities, The Day Spa and the Heat and Ice Experiences, as well as a limited edition 50-minute Detoxifying Citrus Infusion Treatment.

I took my own partner along for the Winter Getaway as a late birthday present and, after a fabulous weekend, I’m pretty sure I am in the good books until next year at least.

Whittlebury Hall exterior NNL-151202-110543001

Staff at the reception and the bar were friendly and attentive and, even though we arrived a little late, it was no issue. After checking into our luxuriant double bedroom, we enjoyed our cream tea, which came with two fresh warm fruit scones each, before spending the rest of the afternoon in the leisure club. I’m not usually a fan of swimming pools, but I soon lost track of time as I dipped in and out of the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, while gazing at the beautiful Grecian murals and decoration.

Dinner at Astons, which boasts several AA Rosette Awards, was beyond excellent. Although it is a large and busy restaurant, the service was impeccable, the waiters charming and helpful and the food perfect - especially when accompanied by a bottle of very reasonably priced French Pinot Noir.

After an evening mingling with guests in Silverstone bar, we tucked into a wonderful night’s sleep and woke up to a gorgeous sunrise over the rolling green golf course. The breakfast was equally lovely, with a range of traditional cooked options, as well as a full two tables of cereals, fruits and pastries, and regular tea and coffee refills from the attentive staff.

It was with reluctance that we checked out a few hours later, but we enjoyed the chance to round off our visit with a sunny walk around the grounds, lake and the woody footpath towards Silverstone racing circuit.

So, whether you are treating someone special or joining friends for a celebratory weekend, a package deal from Whittlebury Hall is the ideal way to mark any occasion. Visit their website at: www.whittleburyhall.co.uk for more information and to book.

Valentine’s Day events in Northampton include...

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra come to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate to perform a selection of romantic classics, including Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and a free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm with Tasmin Waley Cohen. The concert begins at 7.30pm on Saturday 14 and tickets are priced from £15-£33.50. Call: Northampton 624811

The Errol Flynn Filmhouse, also at the Derngate, will be showing Love Is All a film narrating love in the twenty-first century, following everything from the first kiss ever caught on film to gay liberation and free love. Evening viewings are on Saturday 14 and Wednesday 18, tickets are £7.50-£8.50.

For a Valentine’s meal with an oriental twist, Thai Emerald in Wellingborough Road in Northampton is offering a four-course menu of exotic treats to share for £23 per person. Call: Northampton 231323 to book. You can also visit www.godine.co.uk for a full list of Valentine’s dinner deals around Northamptonshire.

Producers and groups from around Northampton, including St Gyles Jewellers, Wine Connection, Northampton Saints and Northampton Town FC, will be coming together to mark the day by giving out free samples and special offers to shoppers. The Valentine’s Fair will be open at Northampton’s Guildhall on Saturday 14 from 11am-3pm. Entry is free.